This week the American Idol show moved from a smaller, more intimate venue to a large theatre with a tricked-out stage, bigger band and huge live audience. It happens every season when the American Idol contestants are whittled down to the Top Twelve, and has a way of making a bad singer become even more obvious.
The girls and guys finally sang on the same night, picking their songs from a central theme: the music of Diana Ross.
Brandon Rogers kicked off this week's American Idol show with 'Can't Hurry Love' which judge Simon Cowell said was "very predictable, no star quality or originality." He also forgot the words, and looked embarrassed. Next up, Melinda Doolittle sang 'Home' which brought Paula Abdul to tears. Simon and Randy both dug it.
Chris Sligh joked about how his hairstyle was similar to Diana Ross. He sang 'Endless Love' and Paula thought he was trying too hard to be cool. Simon was more brutal, telling Chris he "murdered the arrangement."
Punk rocker Gina Glocksen offered up 'Love Child' but Randy didn't feel excited, and Paula thought she was shouting. Simon said it wasn't terrible or fantastic but a little forgettable.
When Sanjaya Malakar finished singing 'Ain't No Mountain High Enough' Randy was speechless but recovered to say "It wasn't very good. Thank goodness for background singers." Randy did like Sanjaya Malakars hair, however. Paula commented on his sweetness and Simon Cowell said "When you hear a wail in Beverly Hills, that's Diana watching. She's gonna freak." Poor Sanjaya Malakars hair stood on end, and he looked very shocked that they thought he was a bad singer.
Randy thought Haley Scarnato sounded nervous when she sang a pitchy version of 'Missing You'. Paula thought she looked lovely but "forgetting the words isn't great." Simon said he didn't think her performance was all that bad and thought she had star presence.
Phil Stacey sang 'I'm Gonna Make You Love Me' and both Randy and Paula thought his vocals were a blast but the song was a bit boring. Simon thought it was just okay but a good song choice.
Lakisha "Kiki" Jones sang 'God Bless the Child' which Randy found sensational. Paula commented that her heart showed through, and Simon said, "You're in a different league and performed like a star."
Blake Lewis tried to modernize 'You Keep Me Hangin' On' but Randy cautioned him not to "Blake-ize" the classics. Paula thought it sounded great but Simon didn't think changing the melody worked.
Stephanie Edwards gave us a 'Love Hangover' and forget the words, but Randy thought she had a strong finish. Paula told her to strive to be better, and Simon thought it was a strange arrangement that teased but didn't deliver.
Chris Richardson sang 'The Boss' which Randy thought was half bad, half good. Paula thought he nailed the blending of contemporary with classic but Simon found it dreadful.
Jordin Sparks ended the show with 'If We Hold On Together' which prompted Randy to say "you just made this American Idol a three-girl race. Paula Abdul complimented Jordin's ability to sing her heart out; Simon Cowell thought it was goofy but a good vocal.
In the American Idol Live Results Show #4 on the following night, Brandon Rogers received the lowest number of votes and was sent home. Now that his Idol dreams are dashed, will this professional back-up singer be able to create a career in the limelight? And how long will Sanjaya Malakar and his infamous hair be able to hold up? If Votefortheworst continues to urge people to vote for this notably bad singer, he'll likely remain in the AI competition for some time.
